Rural municipality threatens action over helicopter flights to Khumbu

KHUMBU– A contentious proposal to ban helicopter sightseeing tours in one of the world’s most iconic natural regions, home to the planet’s tallest mountain, effective January 1, has sparked debate.

As state bodies and the local government assert their claim to the skies over the Everest region, concerns have been raised about Nepal’s high-end tourism prospects. Experts caution that this jurisdiction issue may have implications for other national parks if not addressed properly.
Nevertheless, the federal government has not taken the matter seriously.

The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu,  rural municipality has issued a warning to agencies, advising against the promotion of helicopter flights to the Khumbu region, and threatening to take action against those who fail to comply.
Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Spokesperson, Lhakpa Tshering Sherpa , issued a strongly worded statement on Facebook against commercial chopper operations in the Everest region. “This notification is issued for informational purposes and does not invite suggestions. After careful consideration, this decision was made to mitigate the excessive disturbance and impact of helicopters in Khumbu. The decision is final and non-negotiable. Any helicopter company, trekking business, or individual found in violation of this decision will face consequences. Failure to comply will result in the mistreatment of helicopter operators and brokers, and some trekking agencies and guides will be blacklisted and barred from staying in Khumbu”.

The Sagarmatha National Park, which boasts the world’s tallest mountain, issued directives on December 12 restricting commercial choppers from flying over the area. However, the civil aviation regulator responded on December 13, stating that the park has no legal basis to impose such a ban.
The statement is a rejoinder to the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s vow to ignore the national park’s regulations, with the authority instructing helicopter companies to carry on with their routine flights as usual.

The national park has assigned the Nepal Army and local youth groups to enforce the ban, a development that chopper operators view as a serious security concern.

According to Nepal’s tourism ministry officials, the issue is currently being addressed with the aim of resolving it soon. The tourism industry has raised concerns that the ban on Everest sightseeing may negatively impact Nepal’s tourism, which is still recovering from pre-Covid levels. Furthermore, the park is a notable tourist destination, particularly for trekking to the Everest base camp.